By WKTV Staff
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been certified through the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. The program is recognized internationally, with airports across the globe participating.
ACA includes a framework that helps airports identify, manage and ultimately reduce carbon emissions. The program comprises seven levels of certification, each of which represents a unique phase in carbon emission identification and reduction.
The Ford International Airport was certified at “Level 2,” which recognizes ongoing reductions in carbon emissions and sets goals for future carbon management. To date, the Ford International Airport continues to transition light fixtures to LEDs throughout the terminal and on the airfield. In addition, the terminal lighting system integrates efficiency measures such as light sensors in all the restrooms, private offices and passenger space in Concourses A and B. The Ford International Airport’s newly expanded Concourse A includes energy efficiency design as well. The design of Concourse A focused on leveraging building performance to enhance energy efficiency; there is a 70% energy reduction goal from 170 kBTU/sf/year down to 51 kBTU/sf/year.
“The Ford International Airport is committed to environmental and sustainable leadership,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This is just the beginning of ongoing efforts as we continue our journey to reduce our environmental footprint in the West Michigan community.”
As a part of the ACA program, the Ford International Airport has developed and is implementing a carbon management plan to continue reducing emissions from sources under its control. The Ford International Airport has published its carbon reduction policy commitment with a goal of 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions per passenger (measured in kilograms per passenger) by 2035 compared to 2021 levels.
“We are thrilled to receive this certification as it underscores our commitment to sustainable aviation and responsible carbon management,” said Michelle Baker, environmental manager for the Ford International Airport Authority. “Our team has worked incredibly hard over the past three years to reduce emissions.”
Recognition of the Ford International Airport’s certification took place during the Airports Council International – North America’s (ACI-NA) 2024 Annual Conference in Grand Rapids in September 2024. It is one of only 57 commercial airports in North America to successfully become certified through this program.
“Congratulations to the Ford International Airport,” said Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of ACI-NA. “This achievement will contribute to our industry’s shared vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with airports to further reduce our collective carbon footprint.”
